Jazz stays hot in Hong Kong with more stars on the way
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First there were the "Eugene Pao Special Quintet" and "Manhattan Transfer" concerts. Next is an August performance by jazz star group "Fourplay", closely followed by renowned Jazz singer Stacey Kent in September.

"Fourplay" concert, will be staged at 8pm on August 9 at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall. Fourplay comprises Bob James (piano), Nathan East (bass), Larry Carlton (guitar) and Harvey Mason (drums).

For 15 years Fourplay have defined the art of smooth jazz even as they push against its borders. There's fire in their cool grooves. Each member stands at the top of his craft.

This all-star group was formed in 1991, with their first album release in the same yearand it held the number one position on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart for 34 weeks. Between the sheet, released in 1993, also hit number one, racked up gold sales and earned a Grammy nomination. In 1995, Elixir hit number one, lodging there for a record-breaking 92 weeks. Two year later, their fourth album "4" hit number one position in the Contemporary Jazz charts within one week of its release.

American jazz singer, Stacey Kent will perform at 8pm on September 10 at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall.

"Stacey Kent comes at jazz much as Norah Jones approaches pop." A quote from the Los Angeles Times.

Kent has the rare ability to live inside a lyric, to such an extent that it flows from her with all the ease and naturalness of informal conversation.

Kent now boasts six best-selling albums, a string of awards, including the 2001 British Jazz Award and 2002 BBC Jazz Award for "Best Vocalist" and the 2004 Backstage Bistro Award, plus a fan base that enables her to sell out concert halls around the world. She is also a voice on BBC Radio 3, as presenter of Jazz Line Up.

Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, concert tickets for "Fourplay" ranging from $150 to $450 and "Stacey Kent" tickets from $150 to $300, are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients (limited tickets for students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis).

A 10% discount applies to each purchase of standard tickets for these two Jazz Up concerts. For details about other discounts, please refer to the programme leaflet.